Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal (NP) or nasal swab

Container/Tube: Universal Viral Transport Media (VTM) collection vial 3 mL; saline may be used if needed

Specimen Volume: Entire collection 3 mL

Nasal Swab Collection:

1. Insert a nasal swab 1 to 1.5 cm into a nostril
2. Rotate the swab against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds while applying pressure with a finger to the outside of the nostril
3. Repeat on the other nostril with the same swab, using external pressure on the outside of the other nostril; (note: to avoid specimen contamination, do not touch the swab tip to anything other than the inside of the nostril)
4. Remove and place the swab into the tube containing 3 mL of acceptable transport medium
5. Break swab at the indicated break line and cap the specimen collection tube tightly

Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection:

1. Insert a nasopharyngeal swab into either nostril, passing it into the posterior nasopharynx
2. Rotate swab by firmly brushing against the nasopharynx several times
3. Remove and place the swab into the tube containing 3 mL of acceptable transport medium
4. Break swab at the indicated break line and cap the specimen collection tube tightly

Additional Information:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source/type of specimen.